Environmental Health

Food for Thought Newsletter - March 2013

Fog Inspection Form (mentioned in newsletter)

The Environmental Health Section is responsible for the enforcement of state and local laws defined by the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut and the Meriden City Code.

Food Establishments - The Division of Health licenses and regulates all establishments which prepare and serve food, including restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries and temporary events. Orders to correct violations of the public health code are issued where appropriate. Plans and specifications for the construction of new facilities or the remodeling of existing facilities are also reviewed and approved by the staff.  Meriden Health Department Temporary Food Service Application.

Nuisance Properties - Conditions constituting a public health nuisance such as accumulation of garbage, trash, bulky waste, stagnant water, vermin, or nuisance odors, which may be in violation of State and City Codes, are investigated by staff.  When necessary, orders and citations to abate nuisances are issued to gain compliance.

Septic Systems/Private Wells - The Environmental Health conducts site evaluations and approves plans for the construction of individual septic systems or drinking water wells for properties which are not served by public water or sewers.

Swimming Pools - Inspections of a “Public Swimming Pool,” as defined by the Public Health Code (not backyard pools), are made on a regular basis. 

Lead Paint Poisoning - Properties may be inspected for lead paint if there is a child under the age of six living in the home and the child has been found to have an elevated blood lead level.  During the inspection, parents are taught about the health hazards of lead paint and property owners are ordered to abate the hazards which are found. 

Day Care Inspections - Site inspections of day care facilities are Done in partnership with the State Health Department Day Care Licensing Division.

Barbershop, Hairdressing and Cosmetology Shop Inspections - Annual inspections of barbershops, hairdressing and cosmetology shops (including nail salons) are done to to check for cleanliness, the use of appropriate methods for sanitization of equipment and current service provider licenses are issued. 

Educational Talks And Information - The environmental staff performs educational talks a variety of environmental health  topics.

Online Brochures

Help Yourself to a Healthy Home Booklet

Stop Bed Bugs 

Food Safety in Your Home 

West Nile Virus

Lyme Disease

Protect Your Family From Lead

Coloring book for kids - Leo the Little Lion Learns About Lead          Leo, El Pequeno Leon Que Aprende A Adelentarse al Plomo Libro de Colorear   

Environmental Hazards in the Home - a CT Department of Public Health/ CT Association of Realtors publication for homebuyers, home sellers/owners, landlords and tenants that provides important factual information concerning environmental conditions in real estate.

Online resources:

CT DEEP: What Do I Do With.......

(A resident's management guide for those not-so-common household items)

Connecticut Department of Public Health Healthy Homes Initiative webpage